Apparatus and method for providing media services with telepresence

ABSTRACT

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, obtaining first images that are captured by a first camera system at a first location associated with a live presentation by the first user, transmitting first video content representative of the first images over a network for presentation by a group of other processors that are each at one of a group of other locations associated with corresponding other users, receiving second video content representative of second images that are associated with each of the other users, and presenting the second video content in a telepresence configuration that simulates each of the other users being present in an audience at the first location. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/173,310 entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MEDIA CONTENT” by Hines et al.; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/173,281 entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING TELEPRESENCE SESSIONS” by Hines et al.; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/168,539 entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING MEDIA CONTENT WITH TELEPRESENCE” by Hines et al.; and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/168,549 entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING THREE DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS WITH TELEPRESENCE” by Hines et al. The disclosure of each of these related applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to communication and more specifically to an apparatus and method for providing media services with telepresence.

BACKGROUND

Media consumption has become a multibillion dollar industry that continues to grow rapidly. High resolution displays such as high definition televisions and high resolution computer monitors can present two-dimensional movies and games with three-dimensional perspective with improved clarity. Collectively, improvements in display, audio, and communication technologies are causing demand for consumption of all types of media content. Individuals often desire to share their experiences, including experiences with respect to media consumption, products and services. The sharing of these experiences may be limited by the capabilities of communication devices being utilized for messaging and the like. The sharing of these experiences may also be limited by factors that are independent of the communication devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system that provides media services with telepresence;

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a presentation device and media processor for presenting media content that can be used in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a viewing apparatus that can be used with the presentation device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a presentation device with a polarized display that can be used in the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5-7 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems that provide media services with telepresence;

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method operating in portions of the devices and systems of FIGS. 1-7;

FIGS. 9-10 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems that provides media services with telepresence;

FIG. 11 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method operating in portions of the devices, systems and/or methods of FIGS. 1-10; and

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments of methods and devices for providing a lecture that can utilize telepresence to simulate a group of users at remote locations being present in the audience of the lecture. A lecturer can receive video content that simulates an audience composed of each of the users. Time lines can be presented by processors of each of the locations where the time lines are correlated with the presentation of the lecture and where the time lines can be annotated based on user input. For instance, a selectable indicator can be placed along the time line at a relevant point via user input, where the selectable indicator enables access to notes, messages, additional references, and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, activity associated with user interaction at the processors can be monitored and an activity indicia can be placed along a time line at a corresponding point in the lecture. An entity associated with the lecture can evaluate the lecture by accessing the activity indicia to determine the activity occurring at different points of the lecture. Different types of activity can be monitored, including a volume of user messages, user ratings, indications of confusion and so forth.

In one or more embodiments, the media content and/or the video content, or a portion thereof, can be presented as three dimensional (3D) content to enhance the telepresence. In one or more embodiments, the 3D content can be generated by a remote server and/or can be generated by each processor, such as through use of a depth map. In one or more embodiments, 3D cameras and/or a plurality of two dimensional cameras at each user location can be utilized for generating 3D content.

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a server that includes a memory and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller can be adapted to obtain media content that is associated with a lecture and receive first images that are captured by a first camera system at a first location associated with a first user. The controller can be adapted to receive second images that are captured by a second camera system at a second location associated with a second user. The controller can be adapted to provide the media content and second video content representative of the second images to a first processor for presentation at a first display device utilizing a first telepresence configuration that simulates being present in an audience at the lecture with the second user. The first processor and the first display device can be associated with the first user and located at the first location. The controller can be adapted to provide the media content and first video content representative of the first images to a second processor for presentation at a second display device utilizing a second telepresence configuration that simulates being present in the audience at the lecture with the first user, where the second processor and the second display device are associated with the second user and located at the second location. The controller can be adapted to monitor activity of the first and second processors associated with the presentation of the first and second telepresence configurations, where the activity comprises user interaction with the first and second processors. The controller can be adapted to generate activity information for presentation of an indicia of the activity on a time line that is correlated with the presentation of the media content, where at least one of the media content, the first video content and the second video content is adapted for presentation as three dimensional content.

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a method that includes obtaining first images that are captured by a first camera system at a first location associated with a first user. The method can include transmitting first video content representative of the first images over a network for presentation by a second media processor at a second location associated with a second user. The method can include receiving at a first media processor of the first location, media content and second video content representative of second images that are associated with the second user, where the media content is associated with a lecture. The method can include presenting at a first display device of the first location, the media content and the second video content in a first telepresence configuration that simulates being present in an audience at the lecture with the second user. The media content and the first video content can be adapted for presentation by the second media processor in a second telepresence configuration that simulates being present in an audience at the lecture with the first user, where at least one of the media content, the first video content and the second video content is presented as three dimensional content. The method can include presenting at the first display device, a time line that is correlated with the presentation of the media content. The method can include receiving an input at the first media processor and annotating the time line with a selectable indicator based on the input.

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that includes computer instructions. The instructions can enable obtaining at a first processor, first images that are captured by a first camera system at a first location associated with a first user, the first images being associated with a lecture by the first user. The computer instructions can enable transmitting first video content representative of the first images over a network for presentation by a group of other processors that are each at one of a group of other locations associated with corresponding other users. The computer instructions can enable receiving at the first processor of the first location, second video content representative of second images that are associated with each of the other users. The computer instructions can enable presenting at a first display device of the first location, the second video content in a first telepresence configuration that simulates each of the other users being present in an audience at the first location. The first video content can be adapted for presentation by each of the other media processors in a second telepresence configuration that simulates the other users being present in the audience, wherein at least one of the first video content and the second video content is presented as three dimensional content. The computer instructions can enable presenting at the first display device, a time line that is correlated with the lecture. The computer instructions can enable receiving an input at the first processor and annotating the time line with a selectable indicator based on the input, where the selectable indicator enables access to information associated with the input.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communication system 100 for delivering media content, which can include 3D media content. The media content can be based on a lecture 150, which is captured and provided to a group of users at different locations utilizing a telepresence configuration to simulate the users being present in an audience of the lecture. The individual presenting the lecture 150 can similarly receive video content from each of the users at a processor 151, which simulates the audience for the individual. Activity associated with devices participating in a telepresence session of the lecture can be monitored so that the lecture can be evaluated.

The communication system 100 can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) broadcast media system although other media broadcast systems can be used by the exemplary embodiments. The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO) 110 with at least one super headend office server (SHS) 111 which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media content can represent audio content, moving image content such as videos, still image content, or combinations thereof. The SHS server 111 can forward packets associated with the media content to video head-end servers (VHS) 114 via a network of video head-end offices (VHO) 112, such as according to a multicast communication protocol.

The VHS 114 can distribute multimedia broadcast programs via an access network 118 to commercial and/or residential buildings 102 housing a gateway 104 (such as a residential or commercial gateway). The access network 118 can represent a group of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service area interface that provide broadband services over optical links or copper twisted pairs 119 to buildings 102. The gateway 104 can use various communication technology to distribute broadcast signals to media processors 106 such as computers, Set-Top Boxes (STBs) or gaming consoles which in turn present broadcast channels to display devices 108 such as television sets or holographic display devices, managed in some instances by a media controller 107 (such as an infrared or RF remote control, gaming controller, etc.).

The gateway 104, the media processors 106, and/or the display devices 108 can utilize tethered interface technologies (such as coaxial cable, phone lines, or powerline wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi). With these interfaces, unicast communications can be invoked between the media processors 106 and subsystems of the IPTV media system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled to one or more computing devices 130, where a portion of these computing devices can operate as a web server for providing portal services over an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 132 to media processors 106, wireline display devices 108 or wireless communication devices 116 (e.g., cellular phone, laptop computer, etc.) by way of a wireless access base station 117 operating according to various wireless access protocols such as WiFi, or cellular communication technologies (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, and so on).

A satellite broadcast television system can be used in conjunction with, or in place of, the IPTV media system. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 115 carrying media content can be intercepted by a satellite dish receiver 131 coupled to the building 102. Modulated signals intercepted by the satellite dish receiver 131 can be transferred to the media processors 106 for decoding and distributing broadcast channels to the display devices 108. The media processors 106 can be equipped with a broadband port to the IP network 132 to enable services such as VoD and EPG described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system 133 can be used in place of or in conjunction with the IPTV media system described above. In this embodiment the cable TV system 133 can provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services.

The exemplary embodiments can utilize any present or next generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services system. In one embodiment, an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture can be utilized to facilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switched systems in delivering the media content to one or more viewers.

The system 100 can provide 3D content (e.g., to the building 102 and/or to the lecture 150) for presentation and/or can provide 2D content that can be rendered into 3D content by one or more client devices, such as the processor 151, the media processor 106 and/or the TV 108. The 3D image content can be based upon various 3D imaging techniques including polarization, anaglyphics, active shuttering (such as alternate frame sequencing), and autostereoscopy. The exemplary embodiments can present all or a portion of a display in 3D, including utilizing devices that do not require a wearable viewing apparatus (e.g., does not require active shuttering glasses).

In one embodiment, the system 100 can include one or more image capturing devices 175 (e.g. a camera) that can capture 2D and/or 3D images of a user and/or other objects at the building 102 and/or at the lecture 150. Other components can be utilized in combination with or in place of the camera 175, such as a scanner (e.g., a laser system that detects object circumference), distance detector, and so forth. In one embodiment, the camera 175 can be a group of cameras, such as two or more cameras for providing different viewing angles and/or for providing a holographic image. In one embodiment, the camera 175 can capture images in 2D which are processed into 3D content, such as by the media processor 106 and/or computing device 130. In one embodiment, depth maps can be utilized to generate 3D content from 2D images. In another embodiment, the camera 175 can be a stereoscopic camera that directly captures 3D images, such as through use of multiple lenses. A collector 176 or other component can facilitate the processing and/or transmission of the captured images. The collector 176 can be a stand-alone device, such as a device in communication with the media processor 106 and/or the gateway 104 (e.g., wirelessly and/or hardwired communication) or can be integrated with another device, such as the media processor 106.

The computing device 130 can also include a computer readable storage medium 180 having computer instructions for establishing a telepresence communication session between client devices (e.g. processor(s) 106 and processor 151). The computing device 130 can provide media content (e.g., the lecture 150) to a number of different users at different locations, such as a user at building 102, via the telepresence communication session. The computing device 130 can provide the media content in a telepresence configuration that simulates each of the other users (not shown) being present in an audience of the lecture 150. For instance, the telepresence configuration can display the media content and further display each of the other users to simulate users watching the media content. In one embodiment, the particular telepresence configuration can be adjusted by one or more of the users based on user preferences, such as preferences retrieved from a user profile or determined from monitored viewing behavior.

In one or more embodiments, the storage medium 180 of the computing device 130 can include computer instructions for determining a latency area of the access network 118 and can configure routes for the telepresence session based on the latency area, such as avoiding use of one or more network elements of the latency area. In one or more embodiments, the storage medium 180 can include computer instructions for determining a delay to inject or otherwise provide to the delivery and/or presentation of the telepresence configuration to select locations in order to synchronize the telepresence sessions among locations. For example, the computing device 130 can delay delivery of the video content and/or the media content (e.g., a unicast or multicast of the media content) to a number of locations so that those locations can be synchronized with another location that is experiencing latency.

In one or more embodiments, the media content and/or the images of the users, or a portion thereof, can be presented as 3D content to enhance the telepresence. For example, the 3D content can be generated by the computing device 130 and/or can be generated by the media processor 106, such as through use of a depth map in combination with the corresponding images. The system 100 can include other components to enhance the telepresence experience. For instance, lighting and audio components can be utilized to facilitate capturing the images and audio from a user. The lighting and/or audio components can be controlled by the media processor 106 and/or by the computing device 130. User preferences and/or monitored behavior can be utilized in controlling the lighting and/or audio components.

In one embodiment, the users can be students at a university and the computing device 130 can be accessed by the university to deliver telepresence lectures. In one embodiment, the users can be part of a social network and the computing device 130 can be in communication with a social network application, such as for selecting the media content to be provided in the telepresence configuration.

In one embodiment, one of the media processors 106 can maintain control over presentation of the media content in the telepresence configuration, such as pause, fast-forward, rewind, size, resolution, and so forth. In one embodiment, the telepresence configuration, including providing the media content and the video content of each of the users, can be performed without using the computing device 130 to generate the video content from captured images or to combine the media and video content. In one example, the telepresence configuration can be generated by the media processors and distributed through a peer-to-peer technique, where the media processors share the video content amongst themselves and obtain the media content from one of the media processors or from another source, such as media content being broadcast. In one embodiment, each of the media processors 106 of the different users can be in a master-slave arrangement to control presentation of the media content and facilitate generating the telepresence configuration.

Client devices, such as the media processor 106 at a location 102 and/or the processor 151 at the lecture 150, can include computer readable storage medium 185 having computer instructions for displaying a time line with the telepresence configuration where the time line is correlated with the presentation of the lecture. The time line can be annotated, such as based on user inputs, to enhance the lecture. For example, a user at the location 102 can participate in the lecture telepresence session and can annotate his or her time line with a note during the lecture so that the note can be later accessed along with the corresponding point in time of the lecture. The annotation is not limited to notes, and can include other forms of annotation, including user messages, additional references (e.g., a PDF of a document cited in the lecture), user ratings of the lecture (e.g., a confusion index that can be entered to indicate that the user does not understand information being presented in the lecture) and so forth.

The system 100 can enable video and/or audio content of the users to be provided to the other users in real-time or near real-time to establish a communication session while simulating the co-location of the users in an audience of the lecture and providing telepresence with the media content.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a presentation device 202 and the media processor 106 for presenting a telepresence configuration 210 that can include video content 225 which captures images of one or more other users that are at different locations from where the presentation device 202 is located. The telepresence configuration 210 can also include media content 250, which can be captured from the lecture 150. The telepresence configuration 210 can simulate the other users being present in an audience of the lecture 150. The simulation can be performed in a number of different ways, including presenting the other users in the images as if they were viewing the lecture 150. The simulation can be facilitated by the positioning of the camera 175 and/or by post-capture processing, such as adjusting the video content 225 so that the other users appear as being rotated towards the lecture 150. Other simulation effects can be utilized. For example, the video content can be adjusted with a university setting or environment, such as providing the images of the other users as if they were sitting at desks observing the lecture 150. As another example, the images in the video content 225 can be re-sized, including based on the particular size of the presentation device 202, to further simulate the other users being present at the location of the presentation device 202. The media content 250 and/or video content 225 of one or more users can be provided for presentation in the telepresence configuration 210 in 3D.

One or both of the presentation device 202 and the media processor 106 can include the camera 175 that captures images of the user that are provided to the other users in their telepresence configuration 210. The camera 175 can capture 2D images and/or can capture 3D images. The camera 175 can be a group of cameras to capture multiple views, including views to construct a holographic image, such as of the user and/or of objects associated with the user. In one embodiment, the presentation device 202 can be a holographic display device that presents all or a portion of the telepresence configuration 210 as holographic content. The holographic content can allow a viewer's perspective on a depicted object to change as the viewer moves around the hologram content, just as it would if the object were real.

In the present illustration, the presentation device 202 is depicted as a television set. It will be appreciated that the presentation device 202 can represent a portable communication device such as a cellular phone, a PDA, a computer, or other computing device with the ability to display media content. The media processor 106 can be an STB, or some other computing device such as a cellular phone, computer, gaming console, or other device that can process and direct the presentation device 202 to present images associated with media content. It is further noted that the media processor 106 and the presentation device 202 can be an integral unit. For example, a computer or cellular phone having computing and display resources collectively can represent the combination of a presentation device 202 and media processor 106.

A time line 275 can be presented in conjunction with the telepresence configuration 210. The time line 275 can correlate with the presentation (e.g., timing) of the lecture 150 to facilitate accessing specific portions of the lecture 150. The time line 275 can be generated by a number of different devices, such as the processor(s) 106, and/or the computing device 130 (of FIG. 1). The time line 275 can be annotated with various indicators. In one embodiment, a selectable indicator 280 can be annotated to the time line 275 in order to make a user note that is viewable as text. The selectable indicator 280 can be based on user input, such as entering information for the note at a keyboard or dictating the note to a user interface of the media processor 106 which then converts the recorded speech to text utilizing speech recognition techniques. The note can also be a question posed to the lecturer or to another entity, such as posting a question which can be later answered, including by positing the answer such that the answer is accessible via the selectable indicator 280. The selectable indicator 280 can enable a user to access the text note which is correlated to the particular point of the lecture 150.

The selectable indicator 280 can also be generated without user input, such as automatically based on user preferences and/or past history of notes inputted by the user. For instance, a user may make a note regarding the use of fourier transforms to solve a problem described in the lecture 150. The media processor 106 can analyze the note, determine other points of the lecture 150 in which fourier transforms are utilized, and annotate the time line 275 at those other points. In this example, the media processor 106 or another device such as the computing device 130, can perform an analysis of the note, as well as an analysis of the media content 250 of the lecture 150, in order to generate subsequent selectable indicators without user intervention.

In one embodiment, a selectable indicator 285 can be annotated to the time line 275 in order to make an audio annotation. The selectable indicator 285 can be based on user input, such as dictating the note to the user interface of the media processor 106 and/or can be a message from other users, such as questioning the information being presented in the lecture 150. The selectable indicator 280 can enable a user to access the text note which is correlated to the particular point of the lecture 150.

In one embodiment, a selectable indicator 290 can be annotated to the time line 275 in order to make a content annotation. The content annotation can be based on a document, object or other material that is being discussed during the lecture 150. For example, the content annotation can be based on a page of a book that is being discussed during the lecture 150. The content annotation can also be based on additional media content that is related to the lecture 150 but not presented during the lecture, such as an additional information resource (e.g., a book or a website). The selectable indicator 290 can enable a user to access the content, which is correlated to the particular point of the lecture 150. The content annotation can be based on user input, such as noting the importance of a page being discussed during the lecture 150 and/or can be automatically generated without user intervention, such as detecting a cite to an additional resource being made by the lecturer (e.g., utilizing speech recognition) and adding the content annotation based on the detected cite.

In one embodiment, a non-selectable indicator 295 can be annotated to the time line 275 in order to highlight or otherwise note a particular portion of the lecture 150. For example, the indicator 295 can use a symbol that represents material that is understood and/or can use a symbol that represents material that is not understood. Other symbols can also be used, including images of a particular user to represent the user providing a message or discussing material during the lecture 150. The exemplary embodiments can have any number of indicators being utilized by the users in conjunction with time line 275 to facilitate consumption of the material being presented during the lecture 150. The indicators can be personalized, such as via use of familiar symbols, and so forth.

The media processor 106 can be adapted to communicate with accessories such as the viewing apparatus 300 of FIG. 3 by way of a wired or wireless interface, such as through RF and/or light waves 206. The communication can be one-way and/or two-way communication, such as providing the viewing apparatus 300 with a transceiver 302. A wired interface can represent a tethered connection from the viewing apparatus 300 to an interface of the media processor (e.g., USB or proprietary interface). A wireless interface can represent a radio frequency (RF) interface such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee or other wireless standard. The wireless interface can also represent an infrared communication interface. Any standard or proprietary wireless interface between the media processor 106 and the viewing apparatus 300 can be used by the exemplary embodiments.

The viewing apparatus 300 can represent an apparatus for viewing two-dimensional and/or 3D stereoscopic images which can be still or moving images. The viewing apparatus 300 can be an active shutter viewing apparatus. In this embodiment, each lens has a liquid crystal layer which can be darkened or made to be transparent by the application of one or more bias voltages. Each lens 304, 306 can be independently controlled. Accordingly, the darkening of the lenses can alternate, or can be controlled to operate simultaneously.

Each viewing apparatus 300 can include various components associated with a communication device including a wireline and/or wireless transceiver 302 (herein transceiver 302), a user interface (UI), a power supply, a location detector, and a controller 307 for managing operations thereof. The transceiver 302 can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as infrared, Bluetooth, WiFi, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few. Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, and next generation cellular wireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver 302 can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCPIP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, joystick, mouse, or navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device 300. The keypad can be an integral part of a housing assembly of the apparatus 300 or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth. The keypad can represent a numeric dialing keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a Qwerty keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI can further include a display such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of the apparatus 300. In an embodiment where the display is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad 308 can be presented by way of the display.

The UI can also include an audio system 312 that utilizes common audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard only in the proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio for hands free operation. The audio system 312 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audio system 312 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI can further include an image sensor such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply can utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the apparatus 300 to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications. The location detector can utilize common location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver for identifying a location of the communication device 300 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, thereby facilitating common location services such as navigation.

The transceiver 302 can also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi or Bluetooth access point by common power sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or a signal time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF). The controller 306 can utilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such a Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies.

In one embodiment, the viewing apparatus 300 can utilize a receiver portion of the transceiver 302 in the form of an infrared. Alternatively, the viewing apparatus 300 can function as a two-way communication device, in which case a full infrared transceiver could be utilize to exchange signals between the media processor 106 and the viewing apparatus 300.

The viewing apparatus 300 can utilize a controller 307 to control operations thereof, and a portable power supply (not shown). The viewing apparatus 300 can have portions of a UI. For example, the viewing apparatus 300 can have a multi-purpose button 312 which can function as a power on/off button and as a channel selection button. A power on/off feature can be implemented by a long-duration depression of button 312 which can toggle from an on state to an off state and vice-versa. Fast depressions of button 312 can be used for channel navigation. Alternatively, two buttons can be added to the viewing apparatus 300 for up/down channel selection, which operate independent of the on/off power button 312. In another embodiment, a thumbwheel can be used for scrolling between channels.

The viewing apparatus 300 can also include an audio system 313 with one or more speakers in the extensions of the housing assembly such as shown by references 314, 316 to produce localized audio 318, 320 near a user's ears. Different portions of the housing assembly can be used to produce mono, stereo, or surround sound effects. Ear cups (not shown) such as those used in headphones can be used by the viewing apparatus 300 (as an accessory or integral component) for a more direct and low-noise audio presentation technique. The volume of sound presented by the speakers 314, 316 can be controlled by a thumbwheel 310 (or up/down buttons—not shown).

It would be evident from the above descriptions that many embodiments of the viewing apparatus 300 are possible, all of which can be used by the exemplary embodiments. In one embodiment, the viewing apparatus 300 can be utilized as part of the image capture process. For instance, the transceiver 302 can function to transmit a locator and/or calibration request that is wirelessly emitted for receipt by the camera(s) 175 or another processing device, such as the media processor 106. The emitted signal can be position information that is utilized to facilitate capturing images of a target, including adjusting the positioning and focus of the camera(s) 175 to capture the user and/or another object.

In one embodiment, the presentation device 202 can present holographic content that enables different perspectives of a user and/or object to be viewed depending on the position of the viewer. The holographic content can be all or a portion of the telepresence configuration 210, such as only the media content 250 or only one or more of the video content 225. As an example, the presentation device 202 can utilize active shuttering where different perspectives of an image are presented during different time slots which can be synchronized with the viewing apparatus 300. The particular perspective of an image can be viewed via the active shuttering of the viewing apparatus 300 based on the position of the viewer, such as detected from the viewing apparatus. An example of this is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/839,943 filed on Jul. 20, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other techniques and components can be utilized by the exemplary embodiments for presenting holographic content at the presentation device 202, including with or without a viewing apparatus 300.

In one embodiment, the images of the user in video content 225 can be modified, including change of clothing, environment and/or appearance. For example, the images of the other users can be presented but without the viewing apparatus 300 being worn. For instance, other images of the other users, such as in user profiles, can be utilized to modify the images to fill in pixels where the viewing apparatus 300 was removed. In another example, the modification of the images of the video content 225 can be based on the media content, such as the images of the other users being presented but wearing lab coats where the lecture 150 is a chemistry lab class. The modifications to the video content 225 can be based on a number of different factors, such as user preferences, and can be controlled by various entities, such as allowing a user to retain control over any modifications to the presentation of their own images and/or allowing a user to control any modification to the presentation of other users.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a presentation device 402 with a polarized display. A display can be polarized with polarization filter technology so that alternative horizontal pixel rows can be made to have differing polarizations. For instance, odd horizontal pixels 402 can be polarized for viewing with one polarization filter, while even horizontal pixels 404 can be polarized for viewing with an alternative polarization filter. The viewing apparatus 300 previously described can be adapted to have one lens polarized for odd pixel rows, while the other lens is polarized for viewing even pixel rows. With polarized lenses, the viewing apparatus 300 can present a user a 3D stereoscopic image. The telepresence configuration 210 of FIG. 2 can be presented utilizing the presentation device 402.

System 400 illustrates use of multiple cameras 175 for capturing images of user 420 from different perspectives or views. The different perspective images can then be utilized for generating a 3D representation of the user 420. The particular number and positioning of the cameras 175 can vary. In one embodiment, one of the cameras 175 can be a depth or distance camera that is utilized for generating a depth map associated with the user 420 so that the depth map and images captured by the other cameras can be used in constructing the 3D representation of the user 420. The user 420 can be individuals that are intended to be in the audience of the lecture and/or can be the lecturer.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 500 that can provide the telepresence configuration 210 to a plurality of locations 102, 502 and 503. While three locations are illustrated in system 500, the exemplary embodiments can utilize any number of locations, including two or more locations. The telepresence configuration 210 for each of the locations 102, 502 and 503 includes the media content 250 of the lecture 150 and includes the video content 225 for the other users. For example, a user 520 at location 102 is provided with video content 225 that includes other users 525 at locations 502 and 503 which simulates being present in an audience of the lecture 150.

The computing device 130 can be utilized to provide the telepresence configuration 210 to each of the locations 102, 502, 503, such as through receiving captured images of each of the users 520 and 525 and distributing the video content 225 and the media content 250 to each of the locations. As an example, each of the media processors 106 can then present the video content 225 and the media content 250, such as in an audience arrangement shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the captured images and the media content 250 can be combined by the computing device 130 into single content that is provided to the locations 102, 502 and 503, such as through a multicast, without the need for further arranging the media and video content. In one embodiment, separate or a combined stream of the media content 250 and the video content(s) 225 can be provided to each media processor 106 for combining into the telepresence configuration 210.

In one embodiment, the media processor 106 can instruct the users 520 and 525 to sit or otherwise position themselves where they will be watching the telepresence configuration 210. A position of the user can then be determined for adjusting the camera 175. A distance to the viewer can be determined, such as through use of time-of-flight, stereo triangulation, sheet of light triangulation, structured light, interferometry, coded aperture, and so forth. Other components can also be utilized to facilitate the process, including a depth camera integrated with camera 175 or provided as a stand-alone component. These techniques can also be utilized with respect to capturing the lecture 150.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of another communication system 600 that can present the telepresence configuration 210 at display devices 108 of different users at different locations via a telepresence communication session. System 600 can be overlaid or operably coupled with the devices and systems of FIGS. 1-5 to receive media content 250 and/or video content 225, which is presentable as 3D content. System 600 can include computing device 130 for receiving 2D media content from a media source 650 (e.g., via capturing the lecture 150) and for generating (or otherwise obtaining) a depth map associated with the media content, such as based on object segmentation. The computing device 130 can encode the media content and depth map (such as into a single video stream in H.264 format encapsulated in an MPEG-2 wrapper) and transmit the media content and depth map to one or more media processors 106, such as through broadcast, multicast and/or unicast utilizing network 625. In one embodiment, the computing device 130 can generate the depth map in real-time or near real-time upon receipt of the 2D media content, such as from a broadcast studio. The computing device 130 can also generate a depth map for video content that is captured by the cameras 175 in 2D.

System 600 includes media processors 106 which receive the video stream of the 2D media and video content and the corresponding depth maps. The media processors 106 can generate 3D content using the depth maps in real time upon receipt of the video stream. The media processors 106 can also detect the capability of display devices (such as through HDMI 1.4a) and can adjust the media content accordingly. For instance, if a display device 108 can only present 2D content, then the media processor 106 may discard the depth map and provide the 2D content to the display device. Otherwise, the media processor 106 can perform the real-time generation of the 3D content using the depth map and provide the content to the 3D capable display device 108. The conversion into 3D content from the depth map(s) can be based upon various imaging techniques and the 3D presentation in the telepresence configuration 210 can be based upon various formats including polarization, anaglyphics, active shuttering (such as alternate frame sequencing), autostereoscopy, and so forth.

In one embodiment, position information associated with one or more viewers can be utilized to adjust 3D media content, such as adjusting a convergence of the media content 250 and/or video content 225 based on a distance of the viewer(s) from the display device 108. Calibration can also be performed using a number of components and/or techniques, including a distance camera to measure distances and/or image camera 175 for capturing images of the viewers which can be used for interpolating distances.

System 600 has the flexibility to selectively provide 2D content and 3D content to different locations. System 600 further has the flexibility to selectively provide a combination of 2D and 3D content for presentation in the telepresence configuration 210 (FIG. 2). For example, a user may desire to watch the lecture 150 in 3D while viewing the video content 225 (e.g., the audience) in 2D. The selection of 2D or 3D presentation can be based on a number of factors, including device capability and type of content. The selection can be made by a number of different entities, including the users via the media processors 106 and/or by the service provider via computing device 130. The selection of 2D or 3D can also be made by one or more devices of system 600 without user intervention based on a number of factors, such as device capability, network status, viewing history, and so forth.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of another communication system 700 that can present a telepresence configuration 710, simulating the lecture 150 and the audience of the lecture, at presentation devices 202 of different users at different locations 102, 502, 503 via a telepresence communication session. System 700 can be overlaid or operably coupled with the devices and systems of FIGS. 1-6 to receive media content and/or video content which is presentable as 3D or holographic content. System 700 can include components similar to that of system 600, such as the media processor 106, the presentation device 202, the computing device 130 and the cameras 175. The presentation device can be various types of display devices including televisions, holographic display devices, volumetric display devices, and so forth.

While three locations are illustrated in system 700, the exemplary embodiments can use any number of locations, including two or more locations. The telepresence configuration 710 for each of the locations 102, 502 and 503 can include object content 750 and can include video content 225 for the other users. For example, a user 520 at location 102 can be provided with video content 225 that includes other users 525 at locations 502 and 503 in an audience setting of the lecture 150. The computing device 130 can be utilized to provide the telepresence 710 to each of the locations 102, 502, 503, such as through receiving captured images of each of the users 520 and 525 and distributing the video content 225 and the object content 750 to each of the locations. As an example, each of the media processors 106 can then present the video content 225 and the object content 750, such as in a lecture arrangement that simulates the users 525 being present in the audience of the lecture 150, such as positioning the video content 225 as if the users 525 were viewing the lecture 150 and the object content 750. In one embodiment, the captured images of the users (e.g., video content 225) and the object content 750 can be combined by the computing device 130 into single content that is provided to the locations 102, 502 and 503, such as through a multicast, without the need for further arranging the object and video content. In one embodiment, separate or a combined stream of the object content 750 and the video content(s) 225 can be provided to each media processor 106 for combining into the telepresence configuration 710.

The object content 750 can be generated based on images captured by a camera system 725 that includes a group of cameras 175. The group of cameras 175 can be positioned to capture different viewing angles for an object 730. The images can then be processed into the object content 750 by generating 3D images from 2D images for the object 730 and/or capturing 3D images using 3D stereoscopic cameras. Various 3D techniques and components can be utilized, including polarization, anaglyphics, active shuttering (such as alternate frame sequencing), autostereoscopy, and so forth.

In one embodiment, the generated object content 750 is 3D content that is holographic content. The holographic content provides different viewing perspectives of the object 730 based on viewer position in reference to a display device. The object content 750 can be generated in whole or in part by various devices in system 700, such as computing device 130 and/or media processor 106. In one embodiment, the selection of a device to perform the generation of the object content 750 or a portion thereof can be based on load-balancing. For instance, local devices such as media processor 106 of location 503 can generate all or a portion of the object content 750 when a desired amount of processing resources are available for the local media processor 106. However, if a desired amount of processing resources are not available for the local media processor 106 at location 503 then other devices, such as one or more of the other media processors at locations 102 and 502 and the computing device 130 can generate the object content 750.

In one embodiment, a plurality of formats can be generated for the object content 750. The different formats can be based on the capabilities of the media processors 106 and/or the presentation devices 202. For instance, holographic content may be generated for the media processor 106 if it is determined that the presentation device 202 at location 102 is a holographic display device or otherwise has the ability to present holographic images, while 3D content based on active shuttering can be generated for the media processor 106 of location 502 if it is determined that capabilities at location 502 warrant this format. In one embodiment, the selection and generation of the format of the object content 750 can be based on capability determinations being made by the devices of system 700, such as the computing device 130 querying the local devices for display capabilities and/or accessing user profiles or past history information to make the determination. In one embodiment, each of the various formats can be generated without regard to device capabilities and a selection can then be made of the corresponding format to be transmitted.

In one embodiment, the group of cameras 175 of camera system 725 can be arranged to surround the object 730, such as capturing or otherwise covering a 360 degree perspective of the object. This configuration can facilitate generating holographic content and/or generating 3D content that can be navigated. In one embodiment, the group of cameras 175 of camera system 725 can be arranged such that the plurality of different viewing angles of the images captures only a portion of 360 degrees of viewing perspective of the object 730. In one example, the computing device 130 and/or local devices (e.g., the media processor(s) 106) can generate additional images for a remaining portion of the 360 degrees of the viewing perspective of the object 730 based on the captured images. The additional images can then be utilized with the captured images to generate holographic content and/or to generate 3D content that can be navigated. In one example, the computing device 130 and/or local devices (e.g., the media processor(s) 106) can control the position of one or more of the cameras 175 to capture images for the remaining portion of the 360 degrees of the viewing perspective of the object 730. The additional captured images can then be utilized with the captured images to generate holographic content and/or to generate 3D content that can be navigated.

The cameras 175 of camera system 725 can be arranged in various configurations and there can be various numbers of cameras. For example, the cameras 175 can surround the object 730 in a circular configuration or can surround the object in a spherical configuration. As described above, the cameras 175 may only partially surround the object 730, and camera movement and/or image extrapolation can be performed to account for any viewing angles or portions of the object that are not covered by the particular camera configuration. As an example, image extrapolation or interpolation can be utilized that predicts or estimates unknown portions of the object 730 based on known portions of the object determined from one or more of the captured images. The object 730 of FIG. 7 is illustrated as a vase having a substantially uniform curved surface and curved rim. The captured images can be utilized to determine a radius of curvature of the rim and the shape of the outer surface of the vase of object 730 as shown in the captured images. These parameters can then be used in image extrapolation or interpolation to fill in the unknown portions of the image that were not captured in the images. Other techniques for determining unknown portions of the object 730 can also be used in the present disclosure.

System 700 and camera system 725 allow various objects to be placed in front of the group of cameras so that 3D content or holographic content representative of the objects can be shared among viewers in a telepresence environment of the lecture 150. For example, camera system 725 can define a target field or capture area 790 into which objects can be placed, such as object 730, so that the objects can be provided in the telepresence configuration 710. In one embodiment, one or more of the cameras 175 that define the target field 790 can be re-positioned to capture various perspectives of the object. The re-positioning of the cameras 175 can be performed in a number of different ways, such as pivoting cameras, sliding cameras on a track (e.g., a circular or annular track), and so forth. In one embodiment, the re-positioning of the cameras 175 can be performed automatically based on actuation of motors (e.g., electric servo-motors) coupled with the cameras that can adjust the position of the camera.

The object content 750 can be generated from different locations, such as from users that are assigned as audience members and/or from the lecturer at the lecture 150. The use of the object content 750 enhances the lecture telepresence by allowing remote users to share information, including objects, without the need to be in proximity to each other.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 800 operating in portions of the devices and systems described herein and/or illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. Method 800 can begin with step 802 in which media content 250 (e.g., the lecture 150) is obtained, such as through transmission over a network from a media source. The media content 250 can be various types from various sources. The media content 250 can be received as 2D content and converted to 3D content and/or can be received as 3D content. The media content 250 can be received by the computing device 130 (e.g., a centralized distribution process) and/or received by one or more of the media processors 106 (e.g., a distributed or master-slave process). It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments can include the media processor 106 being various types of devices, including personal computers, set top boxes, smart phones and so forth.

The obtaining of the media content can be in conjunction with an educational program such as a distance learning session at a university. Participants in the session can be provided with an enhanced experience that simulates being present in the audience of the lecture rather than receiving a recording of video images of a lecturer speaking.

At step 804, video content 225 can be received from a plurality of different media receivers 106 at different locations. The video content 225 can be received as part of a communication session established between media processors 106 of each of the different users that desire to participate in the audience of the lecture. Each of the video content 225 can be received as 2D content and converted to 3D content and/or can be received as 3D content. Each of the video content 225 can be received by the computing device 130 (e.g., a centralized distribution process) and/or received by one or more of the media processors 106 (e.g., a distributed or master-slave process). The video content 225 can be captured by one or more cameras 175 at each location, where the cameras are 2D and/or 3D cameras. Other components can also be used to facilitate capturing the video content 225, including lighting components and/or audio components, which can be controlled locally and/or remotely (e.g., by the computing device 130 or a master media processor 106). The same techniques can be utilized for capturing the media content of the lecture.

At step 806, it can be determined if 3D content has been requested or is otherwise desired. For instance, a user profile associated with each user at each location can be accessed by the computing device 130 and/or one or more of the media processors 106 to determine if 3D content is desired for the media content 250 and/or video content 225. If 3D content is desired then at step 808 the content can be processed accordingly. For example, if the content received is in 3D format then a determination can be made if the format is compatible with the media processors 106 and adjusted accordingly. For instance, content can be adjusted to be compatible with a first media processor 106 and a copy of the content can be further adjusted to be compatible with a second media processor. If the content is in 2D format then the content can be converted to 3D format, such as through use of a depth map or using other techniques.

At step 809, images can be captured of the object 730 using the camera system 725. The object 730 can be provided by the lecturer and/or provided by one of the other users in the audience as part of the lecture. The images can capture a plurality of different viewing angles or perspectives of the object 730 so that the object content 750 can be generated such that the object is presented as 3D content. In one embodiment, the 3D content can be holographic content. The object content 750 can be generated based on captured 2D and/or 3D images, including 3D images captured by a plurality of stereoscopic cameras 175 of camera system 725. The camera system 725 can be controlled locally and/or controlled remotely, such as by the computing device 130. The control over the camera system 725 can include re-positioning of the cameras 175, as well as other adjustable features, including resolution, speed, and so forth.

In one embodiment, one or more locations (e.g., locations 102, 502 and 503) can include the camera system 725 so that a user at the particular location can virtually share any objects (e.g., object 730) with other users through use of the camera system 725.

In one embodiment, the user 525 associated with the camera system 725 can be a merchant or other entity providing goods or services in an infomercial. For example, the object 730 can be a product being sold by the merchant. The location 503 can be a sales facility associated with the user or can be a location that is being utilized by the user 525 to sell his or her product (e.g., object 730). In one example, the merchant can be charged for selling the product by a service provider operating portions of the system 700, such as the computing device 130 and/or the camera system 725. In one example, revenue that is generated as a result of presentation of the object content 750 can be shared between the merchant and the service provider. Other fee sharing arrangements with merchants for utilization of the camera system 725 can also be used by the exemplary embodiments.

At step 810, the media content 250 and/or the object content 750, along with the video content 225 can be presented at each display device of each location in a telepresence configuration, such as configuration 210 of FIG. 2 and/or configuration 710 of FIG. 7. The telepresence configuration can simulate the users being present in the audience of the lecture. In one embodiment, the telepresence configurations can be adjustable, such as by the user selecting the configuration. The adjustments to the telepresence configuration can include positioning of the video content, size, resolution, and so forth.

In one embodiment at step 812, the computing device 130 and/or the media processor 106 can monitor to detect speech of a user at one of the locations. If speech is detected from a target user, then at step 814 the video content can be adjusted (e.g., by the computing device 130 and/or the media processor 106) to further simulate the target user speaking, such as to another of the users or to the lecturer. This simulation can include depicting the target user or a portion thereof (e.g., the user's head) turning to face the viewer of the display device to speak with them. In one embodiment, the telepresence configuration can provide images of the rear of the other user's head's as if they were watching the media content and then present the face of the target user when the target user is speaking. In one embodiment, images of a front of a user's head can be used to generate video content depicting the back of the user's head, such as through determining shape, circumference, hair color and so forth. In another embodiment, the image of the user who is speaking can be highlighted or otherwise adjusted to facilitate identifying which member of the telepresence audience is speaking.

In one embodiment at step 816, user interaction with the object content 750 can be detected or otherwise determined, such as by one of the media processors 106, the processor 151 and/or the computing device 130. The user interaction can be based on user inputs at a user interface at one of the locations 102, 502, 503 and/or at the lecture 150. At step 818, the object content 750 can be adjusted in response to the user interaction. The adjustment can be performed in a number of different ways, including based on utilizing different images with different viewing angles, adjusting the cameras 175 of camera system 725 to provide for different perspective, and/or extrapolating views based on the captured images.

In one embodiment, the user interaction can be based on movement of the user, such as movement of the user's hand towards the presented object 730. As an example, the user 520 at location 102 can be viewing a 3D or holographic representation of the object 730 and can move his or her hand so as to gesture rotating the object 730. In the telepresence configurations of locations 502 and 503, the gestures of the user 520 can be viewed as the hand of the user rotating the object 730 due to the positioning of the object content 750 and the video content 225 in the telepresence configuration 710. The interaction is not limited to moving the object 730, and can include other interaction, such as removing a portion of the object to present a different view.

In one embodiment at step 820, system 700 can provide telepresence messaging between users. For instance, user 520 at location 102 can send a message to user 525 at location 502. The message can be input by the user 520 via text, speech, and/or selection of pre-determined messages. The message can be presented in the telepresence configuration 710 at presentation device 202 of location 503 via 3D or holographic text. The message can be presented in combination with, or in place of, the media content 250 and/or the object content 750. In one embodiment, the sender of the message can select the recipient(s) of the message so that only select users can see the message even though other users may be participating in the communication session. In one embodiment, the message can be sent in conjunction with a social network and/or messaging service, including facebook, tweeter and so forth. In another embodiment, the sending of messages between users can be monitored by the computing device 130 for evaluating the lecture 150. For instance, an increase volume of messages can be indicative of confusion or boredom with respect to a portion of the lecture 150.

At step 822, a determination can be made as to whether there is a request to annotate the time line and at step 824, an annotation of the time line (e.g., time line 275 of FIG. 2) can be made by one or more of the users and/or by the lecturer. The time line can be correlated to the presentation of the lecture to allow annotations that are related to specific portions of the lecture. The annotations can be in many forms, such as text, audio, documents, video and so forth. The annotations can be based on user inputs, such as a user dictating a note regarding particular material being presented in the lecture and/or can be generated without user intervention, such as based on user preferences, past annotation history and so forth. For example, a time line for a lecture can be pre-loaded with selectable indicators that allow the user to access a document that is being discussed during that portion of the lecture. Continuing with this example, the document accessed via the selectable indicator of the time line can be modified, such as making notes directly on the document. In one embodiment, where the annotation is performed without user intervention, a user can control whether or not particular types of automatic annotations are made on the user's time line.

In one embodiment, an analysis of past user interaction with the media processor as well as an analysis of the media content can be performed to determine if automatic annotations are to be made in the time line. For example, the media processor 106 and/or the computing device 130 can analyze messages sent between users to determine confusion with respect to a particular subject matter of the lecture. The media processor 106 and/or the computing device 130 can analyze the media content to determine if related subject matter is being described and can annotate the time line to indicate the related subject matter. In one embodiment, the media processor 106 and/or the computing device 130 can analyze questions posed by users, such as amongst each other and/or to the lecturer, and can determine if the questions has been answered during the lecture. If the question is not answered during the lecture, the media processor 106 and/or the computing device 130 can obtain the answer from an external source, such as a database associated with the publisher of the book being utilized during the lecture, and can annotate the answer on the time line or otherwise provide the answer to the user(s).

At step 826, audience activity can be monitored by the processor 151 and/or the computing device 130. The activity can be of various types, including a volume of messages being sent amongst users, content of the messages being sent amongst the users, annotations indicating a user's belief that the material is important, annotations indicating a user's confusion as to the material, user ratings of the material, and so forth. The processor 151 and/or the computing device 130 can perform a contextual analysis of the activity, including text and/or speech recognition of information in the annotations, to determine the subject matter and meaning of the information.

At step 828, a graphical representation or other indicia of the activity can be positioned along a time line correlated to the lecture. For instance, a bar graph can be provided along the time line to indicate an increase in messages being sent among users that can be indicative of confusion and/or indicative of boredom. In one embodiment, the users can enter an input representing confusion when they are not clear on a particular material being presented in the lecture. The level of confusion can then be determined in conjunction with the time line. The lecturer can access the time line with the graphical representation of the audience's confusion in order to determine areas of the lecture that can be further discussed during a subsequent lecture.

In one embodiment, the activity being monitored can be offline questions that are being input by users during the lecture. The offline questions can be analyzed as to the subject matter and annotations can be made by the processor 151 and/or the computing device 130 along the time line so that the lecturer can access the time line with the graphical representation of the audience's questions in order to determine areas of the lecture that can be further discussed during a subsequent lecture. A volume of similar questions can be monitored and utilized to determine areas that are not clear to the audience.

Method 800 provides other features that can facilitate consumption of the lecture by the remote users. In one embodiment, questions posed by users can be kept anonymous which may encourage users to ask more questions. In another embodiment, language translation can be applied to the media content and/or audio associated with the video content so that users speaking another language can also participate in the lecture telepresence session.

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of another communication system 900 that can present a telepresence configuration 910, simulating the audience of the lecture 150, at presentation devices 202. The audience can be composed of the different users at different locations (e.g., users at locations 102, 502, 503 of FIG. 7) via a telepresence communication session. System 900 can be overlaid or operably coupled with the devices, systems and methods of FIGS. 1-8 to receive media content and/or video content, which can be presented as 3D or holographic content. System 900 can include components similar to that of system 700, such as the media processor 106, the presentation device 202, the computing device 130 and the cameras 175. The presentation device can be various types of display devices including televisions, holographic display devices, volumetric display devices, and so forth.

Telepresence configuration 910 can be presented to the lecturer so that the lecturer feels as though the remote users are part of his or her audience. The audience of telepresence configuration 910 can be mixed with live audience members present at the lecture. A time line 975 can be presented in conjunction with the telepresence configuration 910. The time line can be annotated similar to time line 275 of FIG. 2, based on user inputs, including inputs made by the lecturer during the lecture.

The time line 975 can include activity information 980 that graphically indicates activity occurring at the media processors of the remote users of the telepresence audience. For example, a peak 985 in the activity information can be indicative of a desired or undesired portion of the lecture, depending on the type of activity being monitored. For example, the monitored activity can include messages between users that are indicative of confusion by the user. All of the messages exchanged between the users can be analyzed (e.g., using a contextual analysis), such as by computing device 130 and/or processor 151. The volume of messages indicating user confusion can be displayed in the activity information 980 and a peak 985 can indicate an area of the lecture that requires further explanation. This activity information can be displayed during the lecture so that the lecturer has a real-time or near-real time feedback as to understanding of the material and/or can be annotated to the time line for subsequent review after the lecture has been completed.

In one embodiment, the position and/or movement of the lecturer can be monitored and the audience members being displayed in the telepresence configuration 910 can be adjusted. For example, to further simulate the remote users being present in the lecture audience, movement of the lecturer toward the presentation device can cause the telepresence configuration 910 to focus or zoom in on one of the users, as if the lecturer were moving towards that user in the audience. Movement of the lecturer to the left or to the right can cause the telepresence configuration 910 to display different portions of users of the telepresence audience. The detection or determination of the lecturer movement can be based on various techniques including laser tracking.

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of another communication system 1000 that can present a telepresence configuration 1010 at presentation devices 108 of different users at different locations 1002, 1003, 1004 via a telepresence communication session. System 1000 can be overlaid or operably coupled with the devices, systems and methods of FIGS. 1-9 to receive media content and/or video content in the telepresence configuration 1010. The media content and/or video content (e.g., media content 250 and video content 225 of FIG. 2) can be presented as 3D or holographic content. System 1000 can include components similar to that of system 600, such as the media processor 106, the computing device 130 and the cameras 175. The presentation devices 108 can be various types of display devices including televisions, holographic display devices, volumetric display devices, and so forth. The cameras 175 can be various types of devices, including 2D and 3D cameras and can be any number and configuration of cameras, including system 725 of FIG. 7. While three locations are illustrated in system 1000, the exemplary embodiments can include any number of locations, including two or more locations.

The media processors 106 of the locations 1002, 1003, 1004 can communicate with each other and/or with the computing device 130 over a network 1050 that includes network elements 1055. The network elements 1055 can be various devices utilized for providing communication, including routers, switches, servers, DSLAMs, and so forth. The number and configuration of the network elements 1055 can vary. A multimedia source 1060 can be utilized for sourcing the media content to the media processors 106 of the locations 1002, 1003, 1004, such as via the computing device 130, although other sources can also be used by the exemplary embodiments, including local sources, such as a DVR at one of the locations 1002, 1003, 1004.

System 1000 can provide for latency testing to be performed with respect to the media processors 106 of the locations 1002, 1003, 1004, as well as with respect to the network elements 1055 that could be used for providing the telepresence sessions between these locations. The type of latency testing performed can vary. For example, loopback testing can be performed by the computing device 130 to each of the media processors 106 of the locations 1002, 1003, 1004. The loopback testing can also be originated from devices other than the computing device 130, such as from the media processors 106 of one or more of the locations 1002, 1003, 1004 and/or from one or more network elements 1055, such as along a potential route of the telepresence session. In one embodiment, multiple loopback tests can be originated from multiple devices along potential routes of the telepresence session. The results of this group of loopback tests can be utilized to isolate particular network elements 1055 that are experiencing latency.

Other latency testing techniques can also be utilized by the exemplary embodiments for isolating network elements 1055 experiencing latency, including periodically or otherwise gathering latency parameters associated with all or a portion of the network elements 1055 of the network 1050. The latency parameters can be analyzed for determining particular network elements 1055 experiencing latency. It should be understood that the latency can be caused by various factors, including workload, faults, on-going maintenance, and so forth. In one or more embodiments, the methodology and/or the components used to determine which network elements 1055 of the network 1050 are experiencing latency can be selected based on a known or predicted cause of the latency.

In one embodiment, when one or more network elements 1055 of the network 1050 are determined to be experiencing latency, then a latency area 1080 can be determined or otherwise defined for the network 1050. The latency area 1050 can be determined based on the isolated network elements 1055 experiencing the latency, as well as a known topology of the network 1050. For example, the latency area 1080 of FIG. 10 depicts three network elements 1055A, 1055B, 1055C. In this example, network elements 1055A and 1055C have been determined to be experiencing latency while no such determination has been made with respect to network element 1055B. However, the network element 1055B has been included in the latency area 1080 because, based on the network topology, it has been determined that routing 1085 between network element 1055A and network element 1055C would be done through network element 1055B.

In one or more embodiments, the routes for the telepresence session can be configured or otherwise determined based on the latency area 1080. For example, routes can be configured to avoid all or a portion of the network elements 1055 in the latency area 1080. The configuration of the routes can be performed by a number of different devices (e.g. the computing device 130) and can be performed in a centralized or distributed fashion (e.g., using a group of computing devices 130 positioned in different parts of the network 1050).

In one or more embodiments, dedicated routes can be utilized for the telepresence sessions. For example, heavy users of telepresence sessions and/or users that have obtained a service upgrade may be provided with dedicated routes using select network elements 1055 that are intended to reduce latency in the transmission and/or receipt of the telepresence session signals. In one or more embodiments, the select network elements 1055 of the dedicated routes can be dedicated devices that are used only for telepresence sessions and/or for limited functions that include telepresence sessions. In one or more embodiments, the select network elements 1055 of the dedicated routes can be devices (dedicated devices and/or non-dedicated devices) that are known to have lower latency, such as due to lower workloads, higher processing resources, and so forth.

Continuing with the example set forth in system 1000, one dedicated route 1070 is illustrated between media processor 106 of location 1003 and the computing device 130. This example illustrates the locations 1002 and 1004 utilizing non-dedicated routes through the network 1050. The number and configuration of dedicated routes can vary, including providing all or only a portion of the media processors 106 of the locations 1002, 1003, 1004 with dedicated routes to and from the computing device 130. Other dedicated routes can also be utilized, such as where data is being exchanged with other devices, such as routes directly between media processors 106 of the locations 1002, 1003, 1004 without routing to the computing device 130.

In one or more embodiments, the latency area 1080 can be utilized for reconfiguring the dedicated route 1070. For instance, the dedicated route 1070 might normally include network element 1055C. But, since network element 1055C has been determined to be part of latency area 1080, the dedicated route 1070 can be re-configured to avoid use of network element 1055C through re-routing to network element 1055D and to network element 1055E.

System 1000 also provides for injecting delay into the presentation of one or more of the telepresence configurations 1010, including portions of the telepresence configuration, such as the media content. As an example, a determination can be made as to which of the locations 1002, 1003, 1004 are experiencing the largest latency in presentation of the media content and/or the video content in the telepresence configuration. One or more delay time periods can be determined based on this latency and a delay(s) can be injected into presentation of the telepresence configuration for the other locations. The delay(s) can be applied to both the media content and the video content or can be separately applied, including use of different delay periods for the media content and the video content. By delaying the presentation of the other devices by the delay time(s) associated with the location experiencing the most latency, system 1000 can provide a synchronized presentation of the telepresence configuration. The delay(s) can be injected by the computing device 130, such as by delaying delivery of the media content to locations 1002, 1003 when location 1004 is experiencing the largest latency for the media content. The delay(s) can also be injected by the media processors 106 at select locations, including based on a delay period calculated by the computing device 130 for the other location and transmitted to the media processors, when presenting the telepresence configuration 1010 at the display devices 108 of the select locations.

FIG. 11 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 1100 operating in portions of the devices, systems and/or methods described herein and/or illustrated in FIGS. 1-10. Method 1100 can begin with step 1102 in which a request for a lecture telepresence session is received. The request can be received at various devices, depending on how the telepresence session is being managed. For example, in system 1000 of FIG. 10, the telepresence session request can be received by computing device 130 from one or more of the media processors 106 at locations 1002, 1003, 1004. In one embodiment, the telepresence session request can be received in conjunction with a social network application.

In step 1104, latency testing can be performed for network elements that could potentially deliver signals for the telepresence session (e.g., the element is part of a possible route for the telepresence session). The type of latency testing can vary and can include loopback testing, such as from the computing device 130 to each of the media processors 106 at locations 1002, 1003, 1004. The latency testing can be performed between other devices of the network, including between network elements in order to isolate select network elements that are experiencing latency issues. The latency testing can be performed at various times. For example, latency testing can be performed in response to receiving the request for the telepresence session and/or can be performed at other times, such as periodically. Other types of latency testing can be used in the exemplary embodiments, including gathering packet latency telemetry from all or a portion of the network elements.

In step 1106, a latency area can be detected or otherwise determined based on the results of the latency testing. The latency area can include network elements experiencing latency issues. The latency area can further include other network elements that have not been determined to be experiencing latency issues but due to their position in proximity to those network elements, they are included in the latency area. In step 1108, routes for the telepresence session can be configured based on the latency areas. For example, routes can be configured to avoid all or a portion of the network elements in the latency area.

In step 1110, it can be determined whether any of the users, such as at locations 1002, 1003, 1004, have dedicated routes. For example, a user may have a service plan that includes dedicated routes for telepresence sessions. In one embodiment, a user can purchase college credits that include dedicated routes. In one or more embodiments, service plan upgrades can be offered in response to a request for a telepresence session. In one or more embodiments, usage of telepresence sessions by a user can be monitored to generate a history for the user. The history can be compared to a usage threshold to determine if a dedicated route should be provided to the user for the telepresence session.

If the user is permitted to utilize a dedicated route then in step 1112 the route can be re-configured based on the dedicated route. It should be further understood that the sequence of the steps of method 1100 can be changed. For example, dedicated routes can first be determined and then the dedicated routes can be altered when the dedicated route passes through, or otherwise relies upon, a network element of the latency area. If on the other hand, there are no dedicated routes then method 1100 proceeds to step 1114 to determine if latency issues still exist.

If there are no latency issues remaining or if the latency issues are within acceptable tolerances then in step 1118 the telepresence session can be provided. If on the other hand, there are latency issues outside of acceptable tolerances then in step 1116 a delay can be injected into the presentation of the telepresence configuration at a portion of the locations. For example, a determination can be made as to which location is experiencing the greatest latency and a delay period can be calculated based on that latency. A local delay can be injected, such as the other media processors 106 at the other locations delaying presentation of the media content and/or the video content to synchronize the telepresence configurations at each location. The exemplary embodiments can also use a remote delay, such as the computing device 130 delaying providing the media content and/or the video content to a portion of the locations based on a calculated delay period.

In one embodiment, the delay period can be based on a difference in latency between the different locations. For example, a first location may present an image at a 20 ms relative mark, while a second location presents the same image at a 40 ms relative mark and a third location presents the same image at a 60 ms relative mark. A first delay period can be calculated for the first location to be 40 ms based on the delay difference between the first and third location. A second delay period can be calculated for the second location to be 20 ms based on the delay difference between the second and third location. No delay would be provided to the third location in this example. The method 1100 can proceed to step 1118 to provide the telepresence session.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims described below. The embodiments described above can be adapted to operate with any device capable of performing in whole or in part the steps described for methods 800 and 1100.

In one embodiment, the latency testing, the determination of the latency area, the configuration of the routes and/or the injection of the delay can be performed at various times, including during the telepresence session. For example, testing can be periodically performed during the telepresence session to determine if there has been a change to the latency area and/or a change to a delay period to be injected into the presentation of the telepresence configuration by one or more of the media processors. If a change is detected then corresponding corrections can be made, such as re-configuring routes and/or changing the delay time period.

In one embodiment, configuring routes based on latency areas and injecting a delay into the presentation of the telepresence configuration at a portion of the locations can be selectively applied based on thresholds. For example, injecting delay into the presentation of the telepresence configuration for a portion of the locations can be utilized without re-configuring routes based on latency areas when a first latency threshold has not been satisfied. However, when the first latency threshold is satisfied (e.g., latency time periods exceeding a pre-determined amount) then both techniques may be applied to synchronize the telepresence configurations at each of the locations.

In one embodiment, the delay can be implemented to video alone, audio alone and/or to both video and audio. In one embodiment, the delay period can be calculated for the video portion of the content and the audio portion can be synchronized with the video portion.

In one embodiment, a combination of media content 250 and object content 750 can be presented in the telepresence configurations. For example, a merchant can present the object content 750 for a product (images of which are captured by the camera system 725) being sold while presenting the media content 250 that is an infomercial describing the product.

In one embodiment, the device(s) that perform the functions described herein can be selected based on capability. For example, if all media processors 106 have the ability to generate 3D video content then a distributed process can be utilized that does not utilize the computing device 130. If only a portion of the media processors 106 have the ability to generate 3D content then a master-slave arrangement can be established between the media processors 106 without the need to utilize the computing device 130. If none of the media processors 106 have the ability to generate 3D content then the computing device 130 can be utilized for generating 3D content. Similarly, 2D images captured by a 2D camera can be transmitted to a device capable of generating 3D video content, such as the computing device 130 and/or another media processor 106. In one embodiment, the selection of the device(s) can be based on other factors, including processing resources, workload, type of content and so forth. For example, if only one media processor 106 has the capability to generate 3D content then the computing device 130 may be utilized along or in conjunction with the select media processor for generating the 3D content.

In one embodiment, the presentation of the telepresence configuration by a media processor 106 can be done at multiple display devices. For example, in a system that has three display devices positioned adjacent to each other, the media processor 106 can provide a middle display device with the media content for presentation while providing the end display devices with each of the video content from the other users to simulate the other users being co-located at the location of the media processor 106.

Other suitable modifications can be applied to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the claims below. Accordingly, the reader is directed to the claims section for a fuller understanding of the breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system 1200 within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a device of the present disclosure includes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The computer system 1200 may include a processor or controller 1202 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 1204 and a static memory 1206, which communicate with each other via a bus 1208. The computer system 1200 may further include a video display unit 1210 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, a solid state display). The computer system 1200 may include an input device 1212 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 1214 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 1216, a signal generation device 1218 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device 1220. The devices of computer system 1200 can be found in the previously shown figures, such as computing device 130, camera system 725, camera 175, media processor 106, TV 202 and so forth.

The disk drive unit 1216 may include a machine-readable medium 1222 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 1224) embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions 1224 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1204, the static memory 1206, and/or within the processor or controller 1202 during execution thereof by the computer system 1200. The main memory 1204 and the processor 1202 also may constitute machine-readable media. The instructions 1224 can include one or more of the steps described above, including calibration steps, such as determining or interpolating viewer distance, determining convergence from viewer distance, and so forth.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein are intended for operation as software programs running on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementations can include, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

The exemplary embodiments can include a machine readable medium containing instructions 1224, or that which receives and executes instructions 1224 from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network environment 1226 can send or receive voice, video or data, and to communicate over the network 1226 using the instructions 1224. The instructions 1224 may further be transmitted or received over a network 1226 via the network interface device 1220.

While the machine-readable medium 1222 is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile) memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a machine-readable medium, as listed herein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP), as well as the examples for calibration, distance determination, communication protocols, and so forth, represent examples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, can be included in the exemplary embodiments.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A server comprising: a memory to store executable instructions; and a controller coupled to the memory, wherein the controller, responsive to executing the executable instructions, performs operations comprising: obtaining media content that is associated with a lecture; receiving first images that are captured by a first camera system at a first location associated with a first user; receiving second images that are captured by a second camera system at a second location associated with a second user; providing the media content and second video content representative of the second images to a first processor for presentation at a first display device utilizing a first telepresence configuration that simulates being present in an audience at the lecture with the second user, wherein the first processor and the first display device are associated with the first user and located at the first location; providing the media content and first video content representative of the first images to a second processor for presentation at a second display device utilizing a second telepresence configuration that simulates being present in the audience at the lecture with the first user, wherein the second processor and the second display device are associated with the second user and located at the second location; monitoring activity of the first and second processors associated with the presentation of the first and second telepresence configurations, wherein the activity comprises user interaction with the first and second processors; and generating activity information for presentation of an indicia of the activity on a time line that is correlated with the presentation of the media content, wherein at least one of the media content, the first video content and the second video content is adapted for presentation as three dimensional content.
 2. The server of claim 1, wherein the user interaction comprises messages of the first and second users being exchanged between the first and second processors.
 3. The server of claim 1, wherein the user interaction comprises notations being made by the first and second processors based on inputs from the corresponding first and second users.
 4. The server of claim 3, wherein the notations are made in association with time lines presented at each of the first and second display devices, and wherein the time lines are correlated with the presentation of the media content.
 5. The server of claim 1, wherein the activity information is stored in the memory and is accessible by a third processor for evaluation of the lecture, wherein the third processor is associated with an entity providing the lecture.
 6. The server of claim 1, wherein the activity information comprises a dynamic rating of the lecture as the lecture is being presented, wherein the dynamic rating is provided by each of the first and second users, wherein the activity information is stored in the memory and is accessible by a third processor for evaluation of the lecture, and wherein the third processor is associated with an entity providing the lecture.
 7. The server of claim 1, wherein the media content, the first video content and the second video content are transmitted over a network, and wherein the controller is adapted to: determine a first service plan associated with the first user and a second service plan associated with the second user; and configure routes over a network for the first and second processors based on the first and second service plans, wherein a first route for the first processor comprises a dedicated route based on the first service plan including a plan upgrade, and wherein a second route for the second processor comprises a non-dedicated route based on the second service plan not including the plan upgrade.
 8. The server of claim 1, wherein the media content, the first video content and the second video content are transmitted over a network, and wherein the controller is adapted to: determine a latency area of the network based on latency testing; determine latency associated with the presentation of the first telepresence configuration at the first location; and delay presentation of at least one of the media content and the first video content at the second location based on the determined latency associated with the presentation of the first telepresence configuration at the first location.
 9. The server of claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to: receive third images of an object that are captured by a third camera system, wherein the third camera system comprises a group of cameras that capture the third images at a plurality of different viewing angles; provide the third images to the first processor for presentation utilizing the first telepresence configuration; provide the third images to the second processor for presentation utilizing the second telepresence configuration, wherein the third camera system is located at one of the first and second locations.
 10. The server of claim 9, wherein the third images are used for generating object content that is adapted for presentation as holographic content that provides different viewing perspectives based on viewer position.
 11. A method comprising: obtaining first images that are captured by a first camera system at a first location associated with a first user; transmitting first video content representative of the first images over a network for presentation by a second media processor at a second location associated with a second user; receiving at a first media processor of the first location, media content and second video content representative of second images that are associated with the second user, wherein the media content is associated with a lecture; presenting at a first display device of the first location, the media content and the second video content in a first telepresence configuration that simulates being present in an audience at the lecture with the second user, wherein the media content and the first video content is adapted for presentation by the second media processor in a second telepresence configuration that simulates being present in an audience at the lecture with the first user, wherein at least one of the media content, the first video content and the second video content is presented as three dimensional content; presenting at the first display device, a time line that is correlated with the presentation of the media content; receiving an input at the first media processor; and annotating the time line with a selectable indicator based on the input.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the input is recorded speech of the first user, and wherein the selectable indicator enables play back of audio signals representative of the recorded speech.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the input is recorded speech of the first user, and wherein the selectable indicator enables viewing a text message representative of the recorded speech.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the selectable indicator enables viewing of additional media content that is related to the lecture.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the additional media content comprises a document that is referenced during the lecture.
 16. The method of claim 11, comprising: receiving a message from the second media processor; and annotating the time line with a second selectable indicator based on receiving the message, wherein the second selectable indicator enables viewing of the message.
 17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer instructions, which, responsive to being executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: obtaining at a first processor, first images that are captured by a first camera system at a first location associated with a first user, the first images being associated with a live presentation by the first user; transmitting first video content representative of the first images over a network for presentation by a group of other processors that are each at one of a group of other locations associated with corresponding other users; receiving at the first processor of the first location, second video content representative of second images that are associated with each of the other users; presenting at a first display device of the first location, the second video content in a first telepresence configuration that simulates each of the other users being present in an audience at the first location, wherein the first video content is adapted for presentation by each of the other media processors in a second telepresence configuration that simulates the other users being present in the audience, wherein at least one of the first video content and the second video content is presented as three dimensional content; presenting at the first display device, a time line that is correlated with the live presentation; receiving an input at the first processor; and annotating the time line with a selectable indicator based on the input, wherein the selectable indicator enables access to information associated with the input.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 comprising computer instructions to: monitor activity of the other processors associated with the presentation of the second telepresence configuration, wherein the activity comprises user interaction; and presenting an indicia of the activity on the time line.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the user interaction comprises messages of the other users being exchanged between the other processors.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the user interaction comprises notations being made by the other processors based on inputs from the other users. 